Graphic Packaging International Australia Converting Ltd

Case [2022] FWCA 682


[2022] FWCA 682

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009

s.185—Enterprise agreement

Graphic Packaging International Australia Converting Ltd

(AG2022/137)

Graphic Packaging International Australia Converting Ltd (Braeside) Workplace Agreement 2021

Graphic Arts

COMMISSIONER O'NEILL

MELBOURNE, 28 FEBRUARY 2022

Application for approval of the Graphic Packaging International Australia Converting Ltd (Braeside) Workplace Agreement 2021

  1. Graphic Packaging International Australia Converting Ltd has applied for approval of an enterprise agreement known as the Graphic Packaging International Australia Converting Ltd (Braeside) Workplace Agreement 2021 (the Agreement). The application was made pursuant to s.185 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act) and is a single enterprise agreement.

  1. The Employer has provided written undertakings. A copy of the undertakings is attached in Annexure A. I am satisfied that the undertakings will not cause financial detriment to any employee covered by the Agreement and that the undertakings will not result in substantial changes to the Agreement. The undertakings are taken to be a term of the Agreement.

  1. Subject to the undertakings referred to above, I am satisfied that each of the requirements of ss.186, 187, 188 and 190 as are relevant to this application for approval have been met.

  1. Pursuant to s.202(4) of the Act, the model flexibility term prescribed by the Fair Work Regulations 2009 is taken to be a term of the Agreement.

  1. The “Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union” known as the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) being a bargaining representative for the Agreement, has given notice under s.183 of the Act that it wants the Agreement to cover it. In accordance with s.201(2) I note that the Agreement covers the organisation.

  1. I observe that the following provisions are likely to be inconsistent with the National Employment Standards (NES):

·           Clause 24 – Personal Leave; and

·           Clause 25 – Compassionate Leave.

However, noting clause 7 of the Agreement, I am satisfied the more beneficial entitlements of the NES will prevail where there is an inconsistency between the Agreement and the NES.

  1. The Agreement is approved and, in accordance with s.54 of the Act, will operate from 7 March 2022. The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 30 June 2024.

COMMISSIONER

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<AE515133  PR738734>

Annexure A

Details
AGLC
Graphic Packaging International Australia Converting Ltd [2022] FWCA 682
Case
[2022] FWCA 682
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The matter before the court involved Graphic Packaging International Australia Converting Ltd, an entity engaged in the packaging industry, and its employees. The dispute centred on the application for approval of the 2021 Braeside Workplace Agreement. This agreement aimed to outline the terms and conditions of employment for the employees within the Braeside facility. The case was heard in the Fair Work Commission, a tribunal responsible for resolving workplace disputes in Australia.

The primary legal issue before the tribunal was whether the proposed workplace agreement complied with the Fair Work Act 2009. This required scrutiny of the agreement's provisions to ensure they met the legislative standards for fairness and compliance with industrial laws. The tribunal needed to determine if the agreement provided adequate protections for employees and if it adhered to the principles of enterprise bargaining. This included assessing whether the agreement was genuinely negotiated and if it offered fair terms and conditions of employment.

The Fair Work Commission carefully reviewed the provisions of the 2021 Braeside Workplace Agreement. The tribunal found that the agreement was negotiated in good faith and included terms that were fair and reasonable. The tribunal was satisfied that the agreement met the legislative requirements under the Fair Work Act 2009, and it approved the agreement as compliant with industrial laws. The decision affirmed the tribunal's role in ensuring that workplace agreements are fair and provide adequate protections for employees.

Orders

Orders of the court

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Background

Background to the litigation

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Evidence

Evidence Before The Court

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Decision

Reasons for decision

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Ratio Decidendi

Legal Principle Established

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